New Hampshire police would be able to use license plate scanners under a bill facing a House vote in January.

Supporters say New Hampshire is the only state that does not permit the devices. They argue police could use them to recover stolen license plates and vehicles, during Amber Alerts and to find people who have defaulted on court appearances or have outstanding warrants against them.

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Supporters said records are purged from the system within three minutes unless the plate triggers action.

Opponents argue the devices erode residents' privacy and could have trouble reading some plates accurately. They also worry that inaccurate databases could prompt police to stop innocent people.